Sleep tops UAE travellers’ choices
One of the key trends witnessed for 2024 among the United Arab Emirates (UAE) travellers is that they are seeking the kind of experiences that relax and rejuvenate them during their holidays, with a high percentage of them giving preference to sleep. A wh
The Skyscanner’s research focused on three key areas - Trending destinations, Behaviours and Traveller types. When it comes to trending destinations, there are two sets of destinations; trending and value destinations based on the booking data on Skyscanner.
The floor opened with the trending destinations, and this year at number one in the category as the most buzzing place is Osaka, Japan, which witnessed 305 per cent search increase from the UAE. This increase is due to the ease of visa for Emiratis or UAE nationals. Introduction of the e-visa system by Japan for expatriates who live in the UAE also boosted the numbers in the past few months. Antalya, Turkiye, was placed at number 2 with 273 per cent, followed by Tokyo, Japan, with 250 per cent. Rome took the 4th position with 154 per cent and Berlin at 5th position with 96 per cent. Amsterdam and New York shared 62 per cent each, with London at 52 per cent, Athens at 47 per cent and Paris at 32 per cent as the top 10 destinations.
Best value destinations
Orlando, USA, was the first destination offering the most value for travellers with 72 per cent price drop, followed by Male in Maldives with a drop of 58 per cent. Some of the reasons for the price drop were mentioned as the increase of the number of routes, which had impacted as a reason to drop in price year on year. In terms of the experiences that were booked by travellers cultural and personal experiences were some of the rising trends seen.
Travel behaviours
In terms of behaviours or vibes to be expected this year, sleep tourism is a growing trend in the UAE with 63 per cent of UAE travellers stating that they sleep well when travelling or on holiday. Gastronomy or seeking places to try out new dishes is another emerging trend for 2024 by UAE travellers and in this regard, Osaka has taken over the top position.
Attending concerts abroad is a key trend that is catching on with the UAE travellers. Skyscanner’s term ‘Gig tripping’ is that most UAE travellers are willing to go on a short haul flight as many as 72 per cent consider travelling to a gig or concert in a different country. Once again the trend of main character energy or visiting film sets and locations where various movies were filmed still has 28 per cent travellers opting to personally visit these place and revisit the experience this time live on site.
‘Everywhere’ takes the crown
The word ‘everywhere’ has come up as the most searched word from the UAE. When travellers want to check a destination, this seems to be the most trending word and 97 per cent UAE travellers are keen to go somewhere new in 2024. Skyscanner appointed its first ever ‘Everywhere Agent’ and launched its new ‘Everywhere Guide’ for the UAE travellers. Whilst 97 per cent of the UAE travellers are keen to try somewhere new in 2024, 38 per cent share that one of their biggest struggles when booking travel is deciding where to go. What is more, 70 per cent of the UAE travellers affirm that they place higher trust in advice from seasoned travellers who have explored themselves extensively. Amid the current weariness towards predictable travel destinations, coupled with rising concerns about travel expenses and a preference for recommendations from experienced travellers, Skyscanner’s new Everywhere Guide and Everywhere Agent was created to help cash and time strapped UAE travellers. Inspired by the UAE’s favourite search tool ‘Everywhere’, the new programme will provide unrivalled travel advice to help consumers navigate their way through the plethora of recommendations available ahead of their 2024 trips.
‘Everywhere Agent’
The first person to visit every country in the world twice and holder of 10 travel-related world records, Gunnar Garfors, Everywhere Agent for the UAE, Skyscanner, is dedicated to assisting Skyscanner travellers with their holiday plans. After 30 years of exploration and writing six travel books, he is a treasure trove of travel insights. In collaboration with Skyscanner, Garfors will be available for a limited, first-come, first-served virtual service where UAE holidaymakers can book a free 10-minute Everywhere Appointment video call for personalised travel recommendations and tips on how to make their travel spend go further in 2024.
Garfors says, “Having travelled the world twice, my aim is to ignite enthusiasm and inspire people to uncover unique and incredible destinations. I suggest going above and beyond the clichés dominating social media. For example, some of my favourite destinations within a 5-hour flight from the UAE include the cultural capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, and further afield Issyk-Kul Lake, which is surrounded by wild and impressive mountains, as well as small and charming villages. Alternatively, visitors who are seeking a beach trip to Seychelles can explore Praslin and La Digue, as both offer a more laid-back atmosphere and are home to more affordable resorts and hotels than popular Mahé.”
This year Osaka, Japan, was at number one in the trending destinations category. Osaka saw 305 per cent search increase from the UAE
Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert, Skyscanner says, ‘’Our Everywhere programme is not just about offering alternatives; it’s about inspiring a shift in perspective. Through exclusive one-to-one sessions with recordbreaking Gunnar Garfors and his recommendations that go beyond the ordinary on the Everywhere Guide, we hope to empower and equip travellers with the tools needed to discover and enjoy destinations that they didn’t even know they desired.’’